MEET ME MONDAY – BOSTON CREATIVE CO.

I am a mama of two little boys, family photographer and artist. I woodburn (a technique using a hot metal point that burns the wood), illustrate and paint all things cute and delightful. My dream is to make people happy and joyful when they see my whimsical, playful and cute designs. Bringing a smile to someones face (littles and grownups alike) makes my whole heart full.

I am originally from Calgary but left when I was 11. We moved to a beautiful little Mediterranean island near Greece, called Cyprus. I finished school there, then made my way to England for my BA in Fine Art and my Masters in Art, Design & Photography. We (my then bf and I) moved to Calgary shortly after then. We have now been proud Calgary residents for 6 busy years.

How long have you had your business?

I’ve been making since I was a little girl, but have been a legit small business for nearly 2 years now.

How did you get started?

Moving back to Calgary, I fully emersed myself into the creative scene. Lacking the confidence and well, direction I always put off ‘making’ for other things like; getting a “real” job, etc. Until one day, I was just so unhappy in the hustle and bustle of the 9-5, I made the move to a creative life! I worked all day on my plan and just getting messy in my little basement studio. Shortly after then, when my first son was just turning 1, I did my first ever market at East Village. I came home with the biggest smile and sense of accomplishment. I remember my husband telling me how proud he was of me and I truly have never looked back since.

Who or what inspires your work?

Where do I start? I remember walking around markets here in Calgary and being so amazed by all the creative people who just put themselves out there. One little adorable little booth that always inspired me was Little Me Paper Co. Leanne has the most adorable little illustrations, and the cutest layout. Seeing her work and designs, I remember thinking, “These are my people”!

I always say what truly inspires me and my creative life is this beautiful city we live in, its picturesque surroundings and its inhabitants. I wouldn’t have taken the dive if it weren’t for the supportive people, fellow maker community and amazing artists this city has.

What do you dream for your business in the future?

In the near future, I’m hoping for my little business to have more of an online presence. So far, I have only been able to sell work locally. Which is so great, but it would be even more amazing to have my little pieces all over.

In the distant future, my absolute dream would be to have a little drop in artist studio/store to teach classes and have people come in to work. A place to be your full creative self!

What’s your favourite social media platform and why?

Instagram! Where else can you showcase your work, to people that actually like your work, be inspired by other makers all over the world and also support your local makers at your fingertips? It’s just truly such an amazing platform. Using it for business is so fun and instantly gratifying!

How do you pick yourself up when things go wrong?

Mostly for me, I just take a step back. Move on and revisit the next day. But, I read this book called “Steal Like An Artist” By Austin Kleon, and he mentions in the book, to make a copy of all the positive comments and praise because you won’t remember it when you need to. It is so true, in the negative moment you don’t remember the good stuff. So, living in a digital world, I keep screenshots and pictures of praise and comments in a notebook on Evernote. I go to it when things go wrong and I start the pity party! It’s tough finding the time to work with 2 kids under 3 so any time that I do get to work, it can’t be filled with frustration and self doubt.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

I don’t know if this counts as a SUPER power but it would be amazing to be able to pick up any talent and hobby with the click of my fingers. Like, BAM you can knit. BAM, you can now surf. BAM BAM woodworking extraordinaire!

You can find my stuff online here:
www.bostoncreativeco.etsy.com
and here:
www.bostoncreativeco.comAlso, I have some items in person at Outside The Shape in Inglewood:
1222 10 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0W7